Surroundings
Discover the Maremma più genuina!
The Campagnatico area is located in the heart of the Maremma, just a few kilometers from the sea, between the Saturnia hot springs, the Uccellina Park, and Montalcino. This stunning, unspoiled and wild natural area is where the sights, scents, colors, and flavors remain forever in the memory of visitors. A 1km walk from Casa Olivo, the village of Campagnatico, nestled in rolling hills, is admired for its medieval historic center; it is surrounded by ancient stone walls that include well-preserved watchtowers.
Campagnatico, Dante Alighieri and the Divine Comedy
Since 973, the castle has belonged to the Aldobrandeschi family. The ancient tower remains, from the top of which you can admire a marvelous panorama of the entire wooded valley of the Ombrone River. Umberto Aldobrandeschi, a fierce enemy of the Sienese, was killed in Campagnatico in 1259 by a commando of the Sienese army. This event is remembered, to the great pride of the Campagnatico people, in Canto XI of Dante's Purgatory:
A small medieval village nestled in the Tuscan Maremma
Today, Campagnatico is the capital of a large municipality in the Maremma province. This municipality, in addition to Montorsaio, a characteristic medieval village, includes numerous hamlets that help keep alive the great respect for traditions through the organization of festivals, patron saint festivals, and folkloristic events that bring tourists closer to the spirit of these always friendly and welcoming people. It is during the first half of September that Campagnatico hosts the traditional civil and religious celebrations in honor of Maria SS. delle Grazie, including the characteristic “Palio dei Ciuchi” (Donkey Race), which has seen the town's four districts (Santa Maria, Castello, Centro, and Pieve) compete since 1957. This unique donkey race is preceded by a parade in medieval costume and a flag-waving display through the streets of the town, and concludes with the awarding of an artistic palio to the winning district.
Even today, the Campagnatico area is characterized by lush Mediterranean scrub and rolling hills covered with vineyards and olive groves, where you can discover charming, perfectly preserved medieval villages like Montorsaio, or beautiful churches and parish churches. Among these, all well-preserved, are the Church of San Giovanni Battista, which houses an interesting cycle of frescoes; the Church of Santa Maria della Misericordia; and finally the Romanesque former Church of Sant’Antonio Abate, transformed into a theater in the 19th century.
Also noteworthy are the defense systems of the various villages in the Campagnatico area, starting with the walls of Campagnatico itself and those of Montorsaio, up to the Rocca Aldobrandesca, the Cassero Senese and the fascinating Colonne della Sabatina, an ancient medieval castle once among the possessions of the Abbey of San Galgano.
The Maremma
Many interesting destinations are within easy reach from the farm. In half an hour, you can visit the beautiful seaside village of Castiglione della Pescaia, with the nearby Diaccia Botrona Nature Reserve, one of Europe's most important wetlands, and the magnificent bay of Punta Ala nearby. Diaccia Botrona extends for approximately 70 hectares between Castiglione della Pescaia and Grosseto, bordered by a pine forest towards the sea. It is all that remains of the ancient Lake Prile, which was drained by landfill in the 19th century. Today, it is a protected area that aims to be enhanced and preserved as a habitat for numerous resident and migratory birds, which visit throughout the year.
Summer sea excursions in the Tuscan Archipelago National Park are wonderful, departing from Castiglione della Pescaia or Argentario to the islands of Giglio, Giannutri, Elba, and Pianosa. Montalcino, with its famous Brunello vineyards, is just twenty minutes away. From here, you can also reach Montepulciano, Pienza, Mount Amiata, and the entire picturesque Val d'Orcia Park, with the beautiful abbeys of Sant'Antimo and San Galgano.
Where to eat well in Campagnatico: traditional restaurants and authentic Maremma flavors
In the heart of the authentic Maremma, you can find gastronomic excellences perfect for discovering the flavors of the Tuscan tradition. A few minutes away by car stand out the Agriristoro La Casalinga, rustic home-made cuisine that conquers at first taste and the Ristorante Il Feudo, known for its family hospitality and quality traditional dishes. Those who prefer a dinner of pizza and local cured meats cannot miss Vecchia Oliviera, renowned for its informal atmosphere.
There's no shortage of charming options among the local agriturismos: about 10 minutes away is Fonte di Braca, perfect for lunch, with refined menus and attention to presentation. Among the recommended trattorias, Il Tordaio and Trattoria Casa Migliorini are excellent choices for enjoying typical Maremma dishes in a warm and convivial atmosphere.
Antichi Gusti di Maremma by Giulio Marconi
In the charming medieval village of Campagnatico, you will find Antichi Gusti di Maremma, an elegant family-run wine shop and tasting point managed by Giulio Marconi. Here you can taste an authentic selection of true Maremma flavors: cured meats – including Cinta Senese hams and loins – local cheeses from Caseificio Quadalti and excellent wines such as Montecucco, Morellino di Scansano, Brunello and Rosso di Montalcino. Tastings are held by reservation and include olive wood cutting boards, perfect for savoring the authenticity of the area, paired with selected Tuscan wines. Giulio Marconi, an authentic “ambassador of taste”, personally takes care of every cut and pairing, treasuring ancient artisan techniques and a proven passion for local excellence.
The treasures of the province of Grosseto
Other beautiful itineraries include those dedicated to the Etruscans: the city of Roselle, one of the main Etruscan cities, is located at the center of a vast archaeological area that includes ruins, most notably the evocative amphitheater, dating back to the Etruscan, Roman, and medieval periods. Founded in the 7th century BC, it is just 10 minutes from our company.
Also worth visiting are the National Etruscan Museum in Grosseto, and then the tombs of Sovana, Vulci, Tarquinia, Vetulonia, and Populonia. Beautiful Pitigliano and its mysterious Vie Cave (Cave Roads), Scansano, the birthplace of Morellino, and Magliano in Toscana with its beautiful walls and the evocative remains of the Canonica di San Bruzio. Also worth seeing are the nearby medieval villages of Paganico, with the archaeological site of the Terme di Pietratonda, and Civitella, with the nearby Ardenghesca Abbey, which is definitely worth a visit.
Especially in the fall and winter, the renowned and beautiful Terme di Saturnia (Saturnia Hot Springs) are well worth a visit, just 40 minutes away. Other popular spas include the Bagno Vignoni and Bagni di San Filippo, the natural spas of the Farma River Valley, and the Terme di Petriolo, just 25 minutes from our farm. Don't miss day trips to cities of art like Siena, Florence, and Arezzo, as well as the beautiful Massa Marittima, San Gimignano, Monteriggioni, and Volterra. Nature-focused visits to the Maremma Natural Park are also not to be missed, with the most picturesque route leading, after a hike through the scrubland of the Uccellina Mountains, to the extraordinary Abbey of San Rabano and the WWF nature reserves of Orbetello and Capalbio.
